Oh yes. Exercise
Here I am again, talking about that ONE thing we know, beyond a doubt, has major effects on health, vitality, energy and, for lack of a better term, “youthful aging.” Yes: Exercise.
Tired about hearing how good exercise is for you?
Too bad.
I’ll stop writing about it as soon as studies stop revealing its awesome and widespread physical, mental, emotional and psychological powers.
Here’s the latest good news: Regardless of your earlier (or current) exercise habits — from spotty to nonexistent — being active in mid-life significantly improves your chances of aging without cognitive or physical impairments or developing a chronic illness.
Read again, please. Read the part that says “regardless of your current exercise habits.” Read the part that says “significantly improves…” Read again and RIGHT NOW schedule in that Pilates, spin, circuit, Cross-Fit, step/sculpt, water aerobics, weight-training, kickboxing, Barre3 class, that morning run (walk) (swim) with a friend. Because according to this new report from the much-esteemed Nurses’ Health Study, a long-term, on-going survey of more than 13,500 women that has netted much important (and life changing) health data, it is NEVER too late to start benefiting from physical activity. And the benefits are extraordinary.
4 comments
OK, I just bought a Fitbit. There’s nothing like little charts and graphs to spur my competitive spirit. Today parked a quarter mile from a meeting and walked to and from! Can’t wait to see my results tonight. Thanks for this encouragement. Keep it up!
Excellent, Barb. This is EXACTLY what the research is saying: Integrating physical activity into daily life is the way to go. I love gym time, but that one hour a day — regardless of how vigorous — does not compare to a long-term commitment of dog-walking, leaving the car at home (or far away), lunchtime walk ‘n’ talks, active leisure time. Would love to hear about your FitBit experience.
I am 84 yrs old, and still trying. Every (non-raining)afternoon, my husband and I play nine holes of golf. We also have one hour of Pilates each week, and I have one hour of Yoga, plus a walking tape 2/3 times a week, which is 2miles of walking, plus some strengthening exercises, and any place I go that is walkable, I walk. I feel pretty good, and I agree that exercise is VERY important, and to keep moving. We live in a retirement community, and I see so many people struggle around on walkers, and canes, etc. but I don’t see a lot f them making an effort to get some exercise into their day. They do have some exercise classes here, and I have tried to join into a few of them, but find they are too slow and easy for my taste. If there is something else I can do, I would love to hear about it, and I will try it.
Thanks so much for writing in, Rhoda. I am so impressed with all you do and the GREAT choices you are making to stay fit and energetic. Yoga, Pilates, walking and strength training…all excellent. You say “some” strength training like maybe that’s an after thought. Do make sure that it’s a significant part of what you do. The only thing you haven’t mentioned that I would suggest is water exercises, either an water aerobics class or deep water jogging or weight training on your own. I’m betting you would find the water aerobics class (assuming there is one) at your retirement community to be way too slow and easy. But you could make sure of the waist belt (to buoy you when jogging) or the dumbbells for weight training.
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